Auburn University celebrated Hey Day this past Wednesday, October 16th, and it was one for the books! This beloved tradition dates back to 1947, when students who served in WWII returned back to classes as usual at Auburn. When they returned, they struggled to reassimilate with their fellow classmates. In response, the student body and Student Government Association advocated for a day that would “unite the Auburn family and promote a friendly atmosphere known as Hey Day”. Hey Day is now a day where every student gets the opportunity to wear a name tag, giving everyone a sense of belonging and reminding them that they are part of the Auburn family.
One of our very own admissions advisors, Emma Donaldson, shared her Hey Day experience:
“Ever since I’ve been at Auburn, I look forward to Hey Day – formerly as a student and now as an employee of the University! Everyone comes together, wears name tags, and literally says hey to each other! My favorite memory from Hey Day was my sophomore year. My friends and I all gathered on the green space, ate lunch, hung out, and met new people. We even met the Athletic Director and took pictures with the eagle! Hey Day is such a special tradition at Auburn, and I am so glad we continue it every year!”
You can learn more about the Hey Day tradition here!
The First 56 at Auburn University will run from August 12th through October 6th, 2024, and is THE BEST way to get connected to the University and your fellow classmates! Organized by the University Program Council, the First 56 is eight weeks of special programming, events, and initiatives to promote student engagement, healthy decision-making, and academic achievement.
Throughout these eight weeks, there are over 400 events that students can choose from as simple as Class Tours & Kona Ice and as extravagant as an on-campus concert featuring The Driver Era. Attending these events is no additional cost to Auburn students and they can attend as many or as few events as they wish.
A fan favorite event during the First 56 was Waffles with Woodard. At this event, students are able to get a free waffle from the infamous Waffle House Food Truck from Senior Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Bobby Woodard.
Convocation 2024 is Sunday, August 18th, in Jordan-Hare Stadium, which is the night before the first day of classes. Convocation is basically a big pep rally in our football stadium, and an official welcome into the Auburn Family! Various Auburn traditions, including watching the band run out on the field, seeing the eagle fly, and singing the fight song & alma mater, will be celebrated on this special night.
If you are interested in seeing the complete list of events, visit the AU Involve website!
The only thing better than a week at Auburn is a weekend at Auburn. For me the perfect weekend includes food, fun and friends. In springtime, Auburn’s campus is more beautiful than ever— tulips spring up in Centennial Gardens, cherry blossoms engulf Cater Hall, and Samford Lawn is lush and green, making the perfect spot for a picnic. My friends and I often walk around campus and debate about what we should get for dinner. The beauty in a college town like Auburn is that everyone can get something different and still eat together. I usually end up with Taco Mama and meet my friends back on Samford Lawn to enjoy our meal. We window shop and end the night with a sweet treat from Toomer’s Drugs. On sunnier days, you can find me relaxing at the Rec pool reading a book or taking a nap. The plush towels, crystal blue water, and comfortable lounge chairs make me feel like I am at a resort, much less college. If I’m in more of an adventurous mood, my friends and I enjoy exploring the outskirts of Auburn. We’ve hiked at Chewacla State Park and climbed the fire tower at Lake Martin. As you can see, there are many ways to spend a weekend in Auburn, and you won’t regret sticking around to experience all that Auburn has to offer!
At Auburn University, every individual student is valued, and their voices are prioritized. The Auburn Student Government Association (SGA) exists to enrich each student’s experience by serving and advocating for them, and aiming to unify all aspects of the Auburn community. Through every decision and goal we make, we strive to uphold our mission of “Serving and promoting the individual student, unifying all that is Auburn.”
SGA comprises of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, and all SGA teams work diligently throughout the year to fulfill its mission. As we transition into the spring term, our new SGA team for the 2024-2025 school year is enthusiastic about formulating our goals to serve the student body while enhancing the Auburn experience and fostering a sense of family.
In late summer, our Freshman Forum applications are available to incoming first-year students to get plugged in to SGA as they are stepping foot on campus. Freshman Forum serves as representatives of the freshman class, with their main objective to gather feedback from peers and ensure their concerns and experiences are heard. Members of the Freshmen Forum participate in a mentorship program alongside Cabinet members, acquire various aspects of professional development, and collaborate on projects dedicated to enhancing the freshman experience.
Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for the Lobby Board, which serves as a crucial link between the University and governmental entities. Lobby Board members play a pivotal role in advocating for positive change at Auburn University, fostering relationships with local, state, and federal representatives, and educating one another on contemporary issues affecting our community, state, and nation.
Everything SGA works to do lies in the efforts of wanting to amplify the voices of Auburn students and improve the student experience for each individual. We have established Auburn Answers (aub.ie/auburnanswers) as a platform where students can voice their concerns, suggestions, and feedback. All Auburn Answers submissions are reviewed by members of SGA and taken to upper administration.
In the upcoming year, we are dedicated to expanding upon these initiatives and strengthening our outreach efforts to better serve the Auburn community.
ROTC is a program that allows college students the opportunity to commission as an officer upon graduating with a degree. Cadets in Auburn’s Air Force ROTC program spend their time in college preparing to serve as an officer in the Air Force.
A week in the life of an ROTC cadet typically includes two physical training sessions, one leadership laboratory, and one classroom course. Physical Training is a time when all cadets in the program work out together in preparation for a semesterly Fitness Assessment. Leadership Laboratory is a time for professional development. The goal of the professional development varies based on the cadet’s level in the program. Classroom courses focus on developing leadership skills as well as informing cadets about career options. Every class of cadets has their own individual classroom course with different curriculum and instructors. The instructors of these classes are current Air Force officers that are known as Cadre.
There are many scholarship opportunities available to ROTC cadets. High school students can apply for scholarships before their senior year. There are three different types of scholarships available to be awarded. Each type comes with different tuition assistance, year lengths, and stipend amounts. Scholarships can also be awarded to cadets after they have joined the program. There are multiple opportunities to earn scholarships while completing the program and still receive all the benefits.
Check out the cadet interviews below to learn more about what it’s like to be in the Air Force ROTC at Auburn.
Current Cadet Interviews:
C/1Lt Daniel Adams
Q1: What year in school and what year in the program are you?
A: Junior, AS300.
Q2: What is your favorite part of the program?
A: Interacting with and teaching underclassmen; helping them learn and grow. It is rewarding to see that happen.
Q3: Are you on scholarship? When and how did you get it?
A: Yes, received for completing summer field training.
Q4: What is the most challenging part of the program?
A: Pressure of having to train and lead other cadets, scary and rewarding.
Q5: What are you looking forward to the most as you progress in the program?
A: Getting to strengthen relationships with peers, connections will be important once we graduate.
Q6: Advice to underclassmen?
A: Don’t think/stress too much about training. Prepare the best you can but also don’t overprepare and waste time. Enjoy the moment and get to know the people around you.
C/4C Marshall Ives
Q1: What year in school and what year in the program are you?
A: Freshman, AS100.
Q2: What is your favorite part of the program?
A: Comradery with other cadets.
Q3: Are you on scholarship? When and how did you get it?
A: Yes, High School Scholarship Program, applied without doing JROTC and received a 4-year scholarship if I maintain a 2.5 GPA and excel in ROTC
Q4: What is the most challenging part of the program?
A: Balancing cadet, student, and personal life.
Q5: What are you looking forward to the most as you progress in the program?
A: Learning as much as possible and (hopefully) progressing to become a POC.
Q6: Advice to people wanting to join the program?
A: Try everything, don’t be afraid to mess up. You will make a mistake no matter what but if you’re scared it will make it twice as bad.
Auburn University has long been at the forefront of inclusive education, and its EAGLES program is a shining example of this commitment. Standing for Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success, EAGLES is an innovative postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities. It offers a comprehensive curriculum built around five key pillars: Academics, Independent Living, Social Skills, Employment, and Health and Wellness. These pillars work in tandem to ensure students are not just academically equipped but also socially and practically prepared for life beyond university.
A Special Highlight: Rosa Juan’s Journey to Washington DC
Among the many success stories emanating from the EAGLES program is that of Rosa Juan, one of the program’s seniors. Rosa’s recent trip to Washington DC as a Policy Advocate for Think College represents a significant milestone for her and the program. During her trip, she had the opportunity to connect with lawmakers, including Senator Katie Britt and Senator Tuberville’s legislative director. This experience was more than just a visit; it was a platform for Rosa to advocate and educate about inclusive postsecondary education at the national level.
Rosa’s Insights and Experiences
What did you learn while in DC?
“I learned how important the people were in each office of the Capitol. I learned the difference between lobbying and advocating and my role was to advocate. Additionally, I gained more insight into advocacy, understanding the laws, building relationships, and making connections in the process.”
What was your favorite part of the trip?
“My favorite part was sightseeing in different parts of DC, mostly meeting new people from the 9 other universities who had a staff member and student there, hearing their stories, and understanding how it impacted their lives and what they advocated for. Additionally, I enjoyed spending time with my mom and Dr. Patten.”
What was the purpose of your trip?
“The purpose of this trip was to learn and advocate, specifically speaking to each office of our state, telling our story, and hearing others’ stories as well.”
Rosa’s journey highlights the transformative power of the EAGLES program. It has equipped her with the skills and confidence to be a self-advocate, understand her rights, and actively contribute to her community.
A Call to Action
Rosa’s story is an inspiration and a call to action for all college students. Engaging with elected officials, educating them about issues that matter, and advocating for change are crucial aspects of active citizenship. The EAGLES program stands as a testament to the potential within every student to make a difference in their community and beyond.
Auburn University’s EAGLES program is not just about education; it’s about empowering students to be the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow. It’s about creating a more inclusive, understanding, and collaborative society, starting from the college campus to the halls of government. Let Rosa’s journey inspire you to take that first step in making your voice heard.
The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center, or GPAC, at Auburn University opened in 2019 and is the premier performing arts venue of East Alabama. Broadway productions, concerts, opera, dance, and student and faculty performances are featured here. The mission of the GPAC is to “engage audiences across the university, the state of Alabama and beyond with curated arts experiences that inspire, enlighten and unite”.
A few of our admissions advisors have attended performances at the GPAC so we thought we would share them here with you!
Legally Blonde – Broadway Series
I was first introduced to the magic of Broadway through the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade performances. The 2007 performance of “What You Want” from the show Legally Blonde captivated me. From that performance, I had the cast record album and knew the songs all by heart. I always dreamed of getting the chance to see the show live. I never had the opportunity to visit Broadway to see Legally Blonde and eventually the show was no longer on Broadway. Seeing Legally Blonde live was a dream that I thought was just not meant to be. In October, I had just started working at Auburn when I happened to hear students talking about going to see the Broadway Production of Legally Blonde in Auburn, Alabama. This is how I would first be introduced to the Gogue Performing Art Center. I was able to get a ticket for the show day of and finally see Legally Blonde performed live on stage. I ventured to the Gogue Performing Arts Center. Learning that Auburn had a theater that normally hosts 4 different Broadway Performances a year felt like a dream come true. Going to the Gogue feels just as I would expect seeing a show on Broadway to feel. I find that it is special that I get the opportunity to see Broadway performances in Auburn. The Gogue really brings the shows to life with its state of the art facility, and I have also found that the Gogue does not have a bad seat in the house. All seats are arranged in a way that gives every member in the audience a spectacular view to be transported into the show they are seeing. -Dana Poore
La La Land – Summer Film Series
The Gogue Performing Arts Center is screening movies in their outdoor Ham Amphitheater throughout the summer. The 2023 Summer Film Series opened with Damien Chazelle’s La La Land. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and bring a date! River Region Ballroom Dance of Montgomery led ballroom dance lessons prior to the movie. We learned the rumba and foxtrot, which the instructor described as “NASCAR but with fewer explosions.”
The GPAC provided popcorn and water, and there was a chance to win a bottle of wine from the event sponsor. Additional refreshments were available for purchase from the Amsterdam Café, Las Latinas, and Kona Ice food trucks. It was a relaxing and fun outdoor summer event for the whole community. -Bryce Gray
The Little Prince – Dance & Movement Series
Ballet X: The Little Prince
I have always been someone who loves the arts, so being on a campus with a premier performing arts venue is a dream! I have attended a variety of performances throughout the years including touring Broadway productions, concerts, films, and more. However, one of my favorite performances was a ballet– The Little Prince by BalletX. I had never seen a professional ballet before, so this performance was a step out of my comfort zone, but it did not disappoint! With an abstract set design and a unique cast of dancers, The Little Prince engaged my imagination throughout the entire performance. It was such a delightful experience!
I would encourage anyone from current students to guests traveling through Auburn to check out the current performances at the Gogue Performing Arts Center. Maybe one of your old favorites will be touring through town or you can try something new and different–regardless, you are guaranteed an entertaining night at the Gogue! – Hanna Morrison
By Grace McNairy, Command Sergeant Major, War Eagle Battalion
Auburn University is unique in the fact that we have all three branches of ROTC. Within the Air Force ROTC programs, cadets have the option to serve in either the Air Force or Space Force. Students in the Naval ROTC have the option to serve in the Navy or the Marine Corps.
The Army ROTC program is the oldest program on campus and was established in 1872 through the Morrill Land- Grant Act. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson established the U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps with the signing of the National Defense Act of 1916. Auburn Army ROTC is a four-year program in which students earn a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. The War Eagle Battalion has had many notable graduates throughout the years. Some of them include Coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan ‘32, Congressman William Nichols ‘39, Astronaut COL (R) Jim Voss ‘72, LTG (R) Ronald Burgess ‘74, NFL Hall of Famer Kevin Greene ‘84, LTG (R) Darsie Rogers ’86, Olympic Gold Medalist Ruthie Bolton ‘89, and LTG Flem Walker ‘87.
Joining Army ROTC at Auburn has been the best decision I have ever made. Throughout my time as a cadet, I have met people who will be my friends forever. The War Eagle Battalion has given me numerous opportunities to expand my leadership and experiences. After my junior year, I attended Cadet Summer Training (CST) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Cadets from all over the country descend on Fort Knox to test their skills among their peers. There are 11 regiments with roughly 600-800 cadets in each regiment. At CST, all of your training from day one of freshman year to that point is tested. For three years, you will have attended physical training 3 to 4 times a week, Military Science classes twice a week and leadership lab on Wednesdays which has prepared you to perform at CST.
Auburn ROTC is one of the best battalions in 6th Brigade producing future leaders for our Army. The stakes are high for cadets in the War Eagle Battalion. We are traditionally one of the top performers in the brigade and expect a lot from our cadets. A typical week as a cadet includes physical training 3 mornings a week, 2 classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and leadership lab on Wednesday. Once a semester, we attend a Field Training Exercise (FTX) at Fort Benning, GA. Due to our proximity to Fort Benning, we are awarded numerous training opportunities.
Throughout my time in the War Eagle Battalion, I have learned so much. Peer leadership is hard, everyone knows it, but it is not impossible. Through ROTC, I have been given opportunities to practice leading my peers. My confidence has grown exponentially throughout my time in the War Eagle Battalion. The lessons I have learned in ROTC has translated to my involvement on Auburn’s campus. Last year, I served as my panhellenic sorority’s president. The lessons I learned from peer leadership helped me lead my sorority.
The opportunities I have had throughout the years are unmatched compared to my peers. Over the past two summers, I have spent time at Fort Knox, Kentucky expanding my leadership abilities. Throughout my time at Fort Knox, I was tested mentally, physically and emotionally. After my time at Fort Knox, I attended Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT) this past summer. At Fort Campbell, I was attached to 3-187 IN, 3BCT, 101st ABN DIV where I spent a month learning from an Infantry Platoon Leader. While at Fort Campbell, I participated in numerous ranges, CDQC and a helocast.
May 7th, I will commission into the US Army as an Active-Duty Aviation Officer. I would not be the leader or person I am today without the War Eagle Battalion. I highly encourage any student who is thinking about joining ROTC to join and give it a try.
Life as an Auburn Army ROTC Cadet in the words of Jackson Bowman
Throughout my four years at Auburn, Army ROTC has opened the door to more opportunities and life experiences than I could have possibly imagined. First and foremost, it is where I met my future wife as well as some of my best friends. It has also given me a base of people with whom I can network further on down the road. The shared experiences of being rained on in the field, freezing cold and blazing hot temperatures, and funny stories told have made my Auburn experience more full and better than the average student’s. ROTC also paid for my college which I am eternally grateful for. Being an out-of-state student and having my entire tuition paid for is a blessing that I cannot emphasize enough. Finally, upon graduation, I will commission as an Aviation 2nd Lieutenant. Having a job immediately after college is another aspect of ROTC that I am grateful for and one that I did not fully understand until my senior year. Overall, I would highly recommend Auburn Army ROTC to any student at Auburn or any high school senior looking to attend here. While there are some stressful and hard moments, the perks of being an ROTC cadet substantially outweigh any and all the cons. War Eagle and Above the Best!!
Your college experience is exciting. When you live on campus you get the opportunity to build relationships and foster a community. Living on campus can also be challenging, but Auburn University Housing (AUH) is here to provide some essential things to know about on-campus housing.
1. Stay Up To Date With Communications Sent By AUH
It is important for both current and incoming residents to stay up to date with all communications sent out by AUH. The majority of our updates and reminders will be sent to students via their respective Auburn University email address. We recommend students check their AU email weekly for important messages from AUH.
2. Be Familiar With Your Resident Assistant (RA)
Your RA is there to make your on-campus experience more enjoyable. Make time to meet your RA and introduce yourself. If you need help in your hall, reach out to your RA. Keep an open line of communication with them. RAs will also host programs monthly to help build community.
3. Choose The Best Space For You
We want your resident experience to feel like home. It is important that you choose the best space for you. AUH offers a variety of different residence hall styles at different price points. Students should research the different options we have available. We also have tours every day of each of our residence halls. If you cannot make it to campus, students can also view our residence halls by checking out our virtual tours.
4. Get To Know Your Roommates
Whether you already know your roommate or you are meeting them for the first time on move-in day, living with another person can be an adjustment. It is important for you to choose a roommate you feel you will be compatible with and set ground rules with each other. More than likely, your roommate will be great!
5. Utilize Your On-Campus Resources
By living on campus, you are within walking distance of all of Auburn’s on-campus resources. Take advantage of your close proximity to everything. Many of our residence halls are within walking distance of the campus rec, the library, and our dining halls.
Living on campus can be an exciting time for our students. Auburn University Housing offers multiple different options to make sure our residents feel at home. To stay up to date with AUH make sure you continue to check your university email and follow us on social media @housingatau.
Auburn has over 500 on-campus student organizations to choose from. Many of these organizations provide opportunities to serve the campus and the city of Auburn. We’ve highlighted a few below. You can learn about each of these organizations and more on the AU Involve website.
The Big Event is one giant day of service in the Auburn-Opelika area. Students in the organization will lead teams to complete service projects all over the community. You can serve as a project leader or just volunteer the day of. Around 1,000 students participate in The Big Event each year.
Project Uplift provides the opportunity for Auburn students to serve as a mentor to a child in the Auburn area. Students will be assigned a mentee between the ages of 5-12. Their role is to spend time with their mentee every week. They can go to a park, go on a walk, get ice cream, watch a movie, or just hang out. This is a great way to be a friend and positive influence to a child in the community.
Through IMPACT, Auburn students are able to serve in the community on a regular basis. Students can be a Project Coordinator or attend IMPACT volunteer projects whenever they would like. There are many locations in the area including food banks, retirement homes, after-school programs, the humane society, and more. Students volunteer in each of these areas through IMPACT on a weekly basis.
The Auburn-Alabama rivalry runs deep, and it doesn’t just stop with sports. Through Beat Bama Food Drive, Auburn students compete against Alabama students to see who can collect more cans for their local food bank. In 2021, Auburn students were able to collect 352,389 pounds of food for the Food Bank of East Alabama.
